El Paso County PUBLIC Defender's OFFICE - Principal Attorney; Impact Litigation Attorney

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence, with minimum of four (4) years of experience in criminal and/or civil law, with a focus on impact litigation or civil rights.

• Must have and maintain a license to practice law in the United States and be in good standing with the applicable State Bar.
• Must obtain a license to practice law in the State of Texas within one year of employment.
• Must obtain a license to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas within one year of employment.
• In order to access the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date.

The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

• Advocates passionately for policy changes and legislative reform to address systemic issues affecting our clients, the public defender's office, and the community.
• Exhibits professional expertise in legal matters and confidently make decisions on complex legal issues within the requirements of the law and departmental policies.
• Identifies potential impact litigation opportunities through thorough investigation, legal research, client representation, and collaboration with advocacy organizations.
• Applies knowledge, skill, and expertise in applicable areas of law, keeping pace with current legislative and case law developments.
• Develops and implements innovative litigation strategies to challenge unjust laws, policies, and practices that impact individual rights, the rights of our office, and community rights.
• Works on cases with the potential to set legal precedents or broadly impact laws and regulations.
• Stays ahead of legal developments and trends in impact litigation to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Collaborates with other attorneys, community organizations, and experts to build strong, compelling cases.
• Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to less experienced attorneys and support staff.
• Maintains meticulous and accurate case files and documentation.
• Works closely with Public Defender staff, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialist, as well as community agencies to match needs of clients with resources, programs, and assistance providing holistic, client-centered representation.
• Maintains strong, ongoing working relationship with clients in person, including visits in detention facilities, by phone and by mail contact.
• May be called as required to represent individuals at investigative proceedings, related civil matters, and other ancillary issues; may be assigned to handle cases involving post‑conviction writs of habeas corpus and/or appellate relief.
• Provides effective representation to clients while managing a large caseload.
• Establishes and maintains close contact with defendants by regular visits to the Correctional facilities or by constant correspondence via personal visits to the Public Defender's Office, phone contact or by letters to defendants not in custody.
• Performs as trial counsel by representing defendant’s clients during courtroom proceedings.
• Assists in departmental policy development; develops unit forms and procedures.
• Prepares and presents complex reports as required.
• Represents clients assertively in impact litigation cases before state and federal courts, including drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and litigation to settlement or trial.
• Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.

• Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations.
• Commits self to providing excellent customer services and demonstrates commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and
• Creates a high‑quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including…